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Chairman's POW/MIA Recognition Day Message

Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2004  On September 14th, we will honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our Armed Forces who have been prisoners of war, and those who are missing in action. We will also remember their families and friends.

We owe a priceless debt of gratitude to those heroes who returned to us after enduring so much hardship in captivity and to their families who endured the pain and sacrifice of living each day without knowing their fate. We remain steadfastly determined to fully account for each and every servicemember yet to return home. Their selfless sacrifices paid for our many freedoms; their honor and courage continue to inspire those of us in uniform, serving our great nation today.

Our solemn pledge to those who remain unaccounted for is this: However long it takes, wherever it takes us, whatever the costs we will bring you home.

General Pace and all the Joint Chiefs join me in encouraging each of you, on this POW/MIA Recognition Day, to reflect on the selfless sacrifices of these brave and never forgotten heroes.